Salvador Dali Visits Selby Gardens

This past weekend, Proman and I visited one of our favorite artists, Salvador Dali, along with one of our favorite places, Selby Gardens, photos of which I’ve shared with you in years past on my Facebook Page.

I always enjoy wandering the gorgeous grounds with their wide variety of lush plants and spacious greenhouse filled with  exquisitely presented exotic orchids and bromeliads. Orchids are of particular interest to Selby Gardens where the study and conservation of epiphytic plant groups is a mission. Sitting on Sarasota Bay Selby Gardens has postcard worthy views of sailboats, seabirds, and the Sarasota skyline.

salvador dalisalvador daliThis visit was especially enjoyable since a special exhibit of Salvador Dali’s art was on display, and in his honor the gardens were decorated with whimsical reminders of his creativity. In the greenhouse multiple plastic eggs hatched beautiful orchids and spooky eyeballs stared out from hanging vines and blooming flowers. In the garden a vine in the shape of a Dali mustache hung from the trees and other surprises kept popping up in the most unexpected places, such as an elephant tree and a piano in a pond.salvador dali

 

salvador daliSelby Gardens display was in partnership with the Dali Museum just north of us in St. Petersburg, a gallery filled with his imaginative art work, and if you’re in the area I highly recommend it.

If you’re not familiar with Salvador Dali, he was a well known surrealist artist in the late 20th century. Surrealism seeks to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Dali was infamous for painting melting clocks, a lobster phone and other dreamlike images. He was also known for his fantastic mustache.

In his words, “Surrealism … destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.” There is no doubt that Dali’s other-worldly art unleashes the imagination in new and creative ways.

Dali’s art often makes me smile. He’s whimsical, imaginative and innovative, transporting me to places I would never have gone without him. I thank Selby Gardens for making my visit such a joyful experience.

 

1 Comment

  1. Coelle Baskel on March 11, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    WOW……….awesome artwork…….loved the photos you shared…Thanks so much!

Leave a Comment